In the 1970s, the Indian state launched the ambitious Project Tiger in a bid to protect the dwindling species from poachers and the loss of their habitat.

The shooting of tigers was criminalised and large swathes of forest were designated tiger conservation areas. This is an ongoing project and, while mining and industrial activities intensify, this process continues.

"Nobody likes to part with their birthplace, but we have no choice", says Shiv Singh Potta, the Elder of a tribe who have been told the land they live on is now a tiger conservation area and that they have to leave.

"Tigers are more important than us" he continues. "We are weak. Throw a stone at a tiger, and you end up in prison. Throw stones at us, and no one cares."

Devji Patel, an outspoken member of the Chhattisgarh Assembly, alleges that the tiger reserves are simply a smokescreen. "All this does is give the state more control over more land. It's a money-making exercise - have you seen the number of tourists that come in on buses? But there are no tigers for them to see."

The government maintains that these national parks are important reserves not only for the animals but also for the protection of Indian biodiversity.

Devji disagrees. "On a visit to one of these sanctuaries, I can guarantee you will not see a tiger," he says. "What you will see is thousands upon thousands of Jatropha bushes."

These are a source of bio-diesel hailed as the solution to the world's dwindling supply of fossil fuels.

"Is that part of India's natural bio-diversity?" he asks with a wry smile. "You tell me".